As a child, living on the gorgeous island of Jamaica, Karlene recognized the value of helping others by offering a sense of connection, validation, and support. As an adult, her passion for helping others continues through her work. Karlene aspires to help individuals, couples + families to feel at ease in treatment  while learning about the impact of inter-generational trauma on their lives, navigating mental health struggles, and ultimately reaching their full potential.                                                                                                  She completed her Masters degree at the University of New Brunswick, her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at St. Augustine University in North Carolina, and Child +Youth Worker diploma at Seneca College.                                                                                                 Her lived experience, and alliance with Indigenous communities + other people of colour, has informed her passion to help eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health + challenge all systemic barriers. Karlene recognizes the impact that culture, and other social determinants have on our overall health + well-being. Her success as an athlete  has given her the tools to help individuals work through performance anxiety and mental acuity.                                                                                                                                                                                       Karlene uses a variety of modalities, combined with her authentic + energetic personality, to build rapport while providing strategies and tools to guide individuals towards their goals. She has made an impact with youth in detention + residential settings, individuals on the Autism spectrum, those with acquired brain injuries, and people addressing mental wellness concerns. 
Karlene is a former Olympian, and thus, highlights the importance of self-care, self-esteem + self-confidence; teaching  clients to '"put themselves first". She believes that changing dysfunctional mindsets is necessary for successful outcomes and applies Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), as well as a holistic + spiritual approach to address presenting issues. Karlene works to improve the daily functioning of her clients by teaching them the necessary + effective skills to cope with distress + challenges in their lives.       

FOCUS

Anxiety 

Depression 

Coping Skills 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Physical Health + Wellness 

Identity Development + Self -Esteem 

INTERVENTIONS

Solution Focus Brief Therapy 

Conflict Resolution Anti-Oppressive /Anti- Black Racism (AO/ABR) 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) 

Trauma Focused Therapy  

Internal Family Systems Therapy  

Psychodynamic Therapy